Dharwad: The famous Hindustan vocalist of PT M Venkateshkumar from Dharwad has recently ventured Kalidas Samman who is prestigious for its extraordinary contribution in the field of classical music.
In communication, Aditikumar Tripathi, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Madhya Pradesh, said the award, carrying a Wallet Rs 2 lakh and quote, given to a special program in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh.
Speaking to Toi on Friday, PT Venkateshkumar expressed his happiness when it was chosen for the prestigious award.
He will dedicate this award, and all the awards are awarded, to his Pandit Teacher Puttaraj Gawai from Gadag.
“I also indebted to Dharwad who has played a major role in maintaining me to be a vocalist,” said PT Venkateshkumar, who was from Laxmipura at the Ballari District.
Kalidas Samman is a prestigious art award presented every year by the Madhya Pradesh Government.
This award was named after Kālidāsa, a famous classical Sanskrit writer from ancient India.
Kalidas Samman was first given in 1980.
It was originally given in alternative years in the field of classical music, classical dance, theater and plastic art.
Since 1986-87, awards are presented every year to excel in the four fields.
PT Venkateshkumar is the fourth Hindustan musician from Karnataka which will be elected for Kalidas Samman, the other three are PT Malikarjun Mansur (1980-81), PT Kumar Gandharva (1984-95), and PT Puttaraj Gawai (2006-2007).
TheatPersons B V KANNN (1993-94) and Girish Karnad (1998-99) from Karnataka have also been respected with the award.